Offshore wind sector in UK sets out 2030 goals

The Informer
Posted on: 27/03/2018

Trade body RenewableUK has laid out plans for a sector deal with the UK Government that could trigger £48 billion of infrastructure investment by 2030.

The offshore wind industry’s 2030 goals also include a five-fold increase in exports, a £2.4 billion-a-year reduction in total electricity system costs and the creation of 16,000 skilled jobs to take the size of the workforce to 27,000.

Baroness Brown of Cambridge, who is the UK’s Low Carbon Business Ambassador and Vice Chair of the Committee on Climate Change, will lead the sector’s engagement with the UK Government and act as “Sector Champion for Offshore Wind”.

‘Transformative deal’

Benj Sykes, Co-Chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council, said: “This deal comes at the right time for the offshore wind sector; we have grown rapidly and reduced costs much faster than anticipated.

“The sector is now at a critical turning point and must seize this opportunity to reach its full potential with a transformative deal.

“Our proposals show how the innovative offshore wind industry can drive economic growth throughout the UK, attracting billions in investment, driving growth in coastal communities which need new opportunities, whilst generating affordable and clean energy.”